The renaming event was held at the new Barry Warren Reserve, formerly known as Dwight Reserve North, an extension of the Dwight Reserve Oval. Family, friends and club members joined together to honour the man known affectionately as 'Bones'.
On behalf of the Warren family, Barry's son Steve expressed his gratitude for the honour given to his father.
"Naming the outdoor space the Barry Warren Reserve was an amazing surprise," said Steve.
"The City of Playford honoured the work my dad did for the Eastern Park Football Club, and he would be thinking about all the unnecessary fuss, but it was definitely deserved as his commitment to his beloved football club and the community lasted 50 consecutive years."
Born in Wallaroo on July 31, 1943, Barry moved to the northern suburbs to train as a linesman for the Post-Master General, later known as Telecom in 1975.
In 1962 when Elizabeth was just starting out, Barry co-founded the Eastern Park Football Club. His love for football ran deep, becoming a Member for Life at the local Central District Football Club. He devoted his time to helping these clubs run smoothly while also coaching and mentoring, always striving to help community football wherever he could.
Known as 'Bones', due to his skinny frame as a young player, Barry sported the number 14 at Eastern Park Football Club, which has since been retired in his honour, ensuring it will always be his.
Mayor Glenn Docherty said the reserve's renaming was a nod to someone who had devoted their time and expertise to the Playford community.
"Barry was a founding member of the Eastern Park Football Club and this reserve has been an important recreation space to our city. His legacy will truly live on while our community continues to use this special space," said the Mayor.
"As our city experiences growth, we will rely on the people at our clubs, people like Barry, who work behind the scenes and on the field to keep them running."
The reserve is one of many great open spaces in our community and recently, in partnership with the state government, Council upgraded it with new play equipment, a pump track, and improvements to the adjoining community oval, including new goal posts.
Council is continuing to enhance the reserve with additional play and supportive elements, ensuring it remains a convenient location where locals can drop in for a game of footy, in honour of Barry, for many years to come.
Dwight Reserve Oval is home to the Eastern Park Football Club, located just across the road from Barry Warren Reserve, serving as a lasting tribute to another key figure in the Playford community, John Dwight. In the 1950s, John Dwight served as the foreman of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens before being entrusted with the responsibility of greening the new city of Elizabeth.
Barry Warren Reserve is located at 185 Yorktown Road, Elizabeth Downs.
